According to Forbes, it now costs, on average, over $100,000 for a four-year degree! Wages have barely improved, meaning the days of working your way through college and graduating without debt are long gone.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were meant to give Black people a way in, away from unfair education systems, but costs have been rising at HBCUs, too
One HBCU is looking toward the future, however - by making itself completely tuition-free!
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), an HBCU on the U.S. territory near Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, just announced that it will no longer charge tuition.
“Higher education is a basic necessity and must be provided in the same way we provide other basic necessities,” said the President of UVI, David Hall.
Students still need to have a 2.5 GPA and do a “work service requirement,” so it’s not just a giveaway. But graduating from college without mountains of debt is worth it.
2020 U.S. Presidential candidates have been discussing college tuition and student loan debt relief as part of their platforms, and the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus has called for free community college.
As usual, our people are leading the way with innovative strategies to support Black progress. Let’s hope more HBCUs and other colleges, as well as politicians, follow suit!